Private Be Careful What You Fish For

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

S A L E U C A M I- O U T S K I R T S
S I L V E R- J E D I- O R D E R​

The dagger-shaped interceptor shook as it broke through Saleucami's upper atmosphere, guided toward the surface by a steady hand. Jedi Master Sakadi Sinvala didn't fly that often. It was a task she typically delegated to droids and the like, for the time she took travelling was better spend on reading the many assignments that required the Council's approval. Now, however, she had no choice but to fly.

The clouds parted as she deaccelerated, revealing the brown, yellow, and grey colour palette of Saleucami's surface. Despite the planet's war-torn history, she had always found it to be rustic and peaceful. It reminded her of Shili and Isobe, the planets she had called 'home' for over a century. The memories made a smile wash over her features. Perhaps, one day, she would take up residence on Saleucami as well.

The nature of her visit, however, was far less peaceful. No less than a week ago, she had come upon a terrible truth. Several Jedi, whether through the late Bryn, Maw, or their own volition, were attempting to sabotage the Order from the inside. While she didn't know their numbers nor names, the influence they wielded indicated that their were Masters among them too. That was why she couldn't disclose her findings to anyone. For every Knight or Master she knew could be part of this 'sect'.

But she would know soon enough.

The cunning Sephi had sent a series of three transmissions out. Each of them hinting at her awareness of this group. She doubted anyone else would understand it - but that was exactly the point. To make them panic, and lure them out in the open. All she needed to provide them with was an opportunity to silence her.

So today, Sakadi Sinvala played the role of bait.

Her hands instinctively moved to her belt as the interceptor finished its landing. Rebreather, fibercord, cable-launcher, energy capsules, lightsaber... Yes. She was ready. With the flick of a switch, the transparisteel canopy of the interceptor opened. Sakadi took a deep breath, her lavender fingers hovering above one more switch. The emergency signal. The one that would attract the vultures.

Do, or do not. There is no 'try'.

Sakadi flicked the switch, red icons immediately popping up on her display. Not that she cared, since from here on out, she would proceed on foot. She had to find terrain advantageous to her. And of course, leave a trail.

Caedyn Arenais​

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Starship: The Repertoire.
Co-Pilot: Lexas.
Tags: Sakadi Marathi Sinvala .

It had been some time now since Caedyn had decided to part ways from the Silver Jedi Concord and return to the Svivren Jedi Enclave. The decision had been made not out of discontent with the Order of the Silver Jedi, but rather his own path and growth as an independent Jedi Knight seeking to answer the call of the Force. Or perhaps to better understand what his place and role were within that calling.

However, most recently, his trip to Kashyyyk to visit one Sergeant Omen had incidentally also brought him in range of a rather peculiar transmission, and the origin being a listed member of the Silver Jedi, a name that Caedyn was familiar with since his service therein. While the context was a little unusual, arguably because he had been out of contact with the Silver Order for so long, Caedyn still found his curiosity being tugged upon. Choosing to go with his gut instincts and having the time to spare, the Jedi Knight decided to investigate. At the very least, he could gauge the situation from a distance, and then, if the case appeared to be okay, he could leave without interrupting anything.

The Saleucami System,
Suolriep Sector.

Caedyn Arenais stood within his quarters, changing into an attire better suited for a little inconspicuous travel when the call from Lexas came in over the intercom. "Saleucami is on-screen, Master Caedyn; we are approaching orbit now and should be at the designated coordinates within the next ten to fifteen minutes. Sensors are picking up some atmospheric density, light turbulence to be expected but nothing of significant concern". A short laugh escaped the Jedi Knight as he shook his head towards the interior speaker, his co-pilot sounding even more droid-like across the comm-system than he did in person. Frankly, a 'there in five' would have been enough.

Within minutes, the Repertoire would be sailing down through the clouds, the surface of Saleucami in the view from the cockpit. Having joined Lexas, Caedyn moved to take his seat at the pilot's helm. At the same time, the droid maintained control from the co-pilot's station, the Jedi Knight running a couple of last-minute checks over the vessel's armaments in case they were about to find themselves aggressively negotiating with the less civilized types within the Galaxy today.

"Interesting...-I'm picking up some chatter on sensors, plenty of movement for a middle of nowhere run like this," Caedyn remarked, his eyes intently upon the central console.

"Perhaps we are not alone in receiving this transmission, Master Caedyn" Lexas offered his input, something that seemed to be stating the obvious at this point.

"It certainly appears that way..." Caedyn muttered under his breath, talking more to himself in honest thought than a significant response to the droid. "Bring us down low and visible as we approach, make sure we're going to be easily spotted before we reach our rendezvous," he added with a bit of added volume. Caedyn figured that whoever was responsible for sending out the transmission might appreciate a little extra warning before they would settle down on the surface.

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

S A L E U C A M I- O U T S K I R T S
S I L V E R- J E D I- O R D E R​

The commlink on her wrist flashed red, every frequency giving nothing but noise. They were jamming her signal. Sakadi stopped in her tracks, eyes on the grey and clouded sky above her. The wind was still, not carrying the sound of birds or danger. But the characteristic noise of soaring starships was unmistakable. A part of her wanted to reach out, stretch her awareness to meet the approaching 'Jedi'.

But that would betray her intent.

She had left the interceptor far behind her, having ran and jumped through the dense jungles of Saleucami. The Jedi Master had been following a small stream upward back to its source, leaving clear traces in the mud as she went. She wanted to control their approach. She needed to, if she wanted to win this. While her skill with the lightsaber was among the very best, but a single overextension could spell the end. Especially against an unknown number of opponents, who knew exactly who they were up against.

When she finally reached the source of the stream - a small cave that allowed for a retreat - Sakadi decided to wait. She had the higher ground, a possible escape route, and her back was shielded by rock formations. This was where she would meet them. Folding her legs to mimic meditation, Sakadi sat down. From here on, the Force would decide her fate.

Caedyn Arenais​

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Location: Saleucami, Landfall.
Wearing: Spacer Apparel.
Tags: Sakadi Marathi Sinvala .

The Jedi Knight strode down the landing ramp as The Repertoire had barely reached landfall, the air whipping up around him as it rushed into the vessels interior, fresh air greeting the man as he welcomed the sight of open land and the marvel of natural life in all its beauty. Travel throughout the Galaxy was common practice in his life these days, yet no matter how used to it he may have become, there was nothing like the pure oxygen of a natural world and the splendour of nature that he had a fondness for.

Caedyn Arenais turned to look towards the nearby Interceptor that Sakadi Marathi Sinvala had apparently left behind. Though he did not currently know who owned the vessel, they did not seem to be within the immediate vicinity. The Jedi Knight did however know a thing about Interceptors. For a ship as agile, powerful and also expensive as the one they had landed nearby, Caedyn was certain the pilot would return sooner or later; In which case, Lexas would inform him.

<< Keep an eye out for other craft will you Lex, I'm going to go and find out missing pilot >>

Caedyn informed his droid counterpart using his commlink, and then returned it to his belt beside the holstered lightsaber hilt. The Jedi weapon hung in clear view for all to see, given the apparel that Caedyn was wearing. Unlike Jedi Robes, the Spacer Jacket stopped at his waist and thus exposed the utility belt, as well as the tools Caedyn had equipped. Coupled with the Lightsaber, was also his CS.38 Tactical Side-Arm holstered and strapped to his right thigh.

It was time to move on. Something about the situation felt important and also probed at Caedyn's mind with a sense of urgency. He had no connection to the World on a personal basis, and little reason to be there; Such was the life of a Jedi, guided by the Force. Sometimes it felt like a wild mykal hunt, while other times the need was clear.

'Is anyone out there?' Caedyn spoke, not audibly but through telepathic communication, using the force to carry his words much farther than they'd reach via the tongue. 'I'm here to help. I received your message'.

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

S A L E U C A M I- O U T S K I R T S
S I L V E R- J E D I- O R D E R​

'Is anyone out there?'​

Her ears perked up as her conscious touched upon the message. She recognised that presence.. That unmistakable humble yet burdened signature in the Force. She had reached out to many Jedi through the Force in her life. As a result, she recognised many by sheer presence in the Force alone. But even then, only a handful stood out like Caedyn Arenais. Son of Veiere Arenais. A Master she had looked up to, even during her long exile under the ancient oath that was the Barash Vow. To see his offspring, Caedyn, live up to his name had been a delight to her. Albeit secretly.

Perhaps that was what seeded doubt in her mind. Was he friend or foe? Acting and manipulating, or honestly here to help? Could she risk reaching out and revealing her thoughts and plans to potential foes? But then again - didn't Romi trust him? Wasn't he one of the few Romi had invited to her conclave so many moons ago?

Sakadi let out a sigh in defeat. It was a great risk to reach out. But she had already made up her mind the second she felt his presence.

"Caedyn. A battle is about to ensue, with too much at stake. I am warning you, stay out of this."

It was the best she could do.

Caedyn Arenais

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

"Caedyn. A battle is about to ensue, with too much at stake. I am warning you, stay out of this.".

The words reached him, accompanied by a familiar presence of an old friend from within the Order of the Silver Jedi. Sakadi Marathi Sinvala . From his recollection, she had come to him for advice on something, and although so much time had passed and his memory wasn't entirely clear on the details of those former days, he hadn't taken him less than the instant she had reached out, to recognize her.

Caedyn knew nothing of a battle, however, it was her transmission that had led him this far and given the importance of her words and sound of her voice, he couldn't simply choose to walk away. 'I am on Saleucami. I followed your transmission. What's going on? I can't turn away after you've just told me there's to be a battle, you must know this about me' he again spoke through telepathic means to her. The prospect of fighting and subsequent death wasn't something he took lightly. Nor should any Jedi, to his mind.

'I've been serving in the Outer Rim Territories for the past few years, you'll have to forgive me for being out of touch with Silver Politics' he conveyed shortly thereafter, his words also passing forth a light sense of humour in his speaking from one mind to the other. It wasn't at all uncommon for Caedyn to use humour in times of tension, to otherwise try to dampen the negativity or, in many cases, mask his feelings from the outside worlds.

'I'm already tracking your movements as best I can. I've left the Repertoire near your Interceptor'.